From Marie Antoinette’s Garden: An Eighteenth-Century Horticultural Album

“So you like flowers?” Louis XVI said to his young queen. “Well, I have a bouquet for you-the Petit Trianon.”

If you are anything like me, just the mere mention of the Petit Trianon will have piqued your interest. Needless to say, I’m thrilled to recommend this tremendous new tome by historian and perfume specialist Elisabeth de Feydeau (she’s a professor at the Versailles School of Perfumers and cultural adviser to France’s great perfume houses). It’s a comprehensive and fully immersive treatment on Antoinette’s passion for gardening, flowers, plants, and trees—a virtual stroll through what could be considered the most fascinating gardens of the 18th century, including eighty-three of the most exquisite botanical illustrations by the botanist and court painter, Pierre Joseph Redoute. Let’s just say this is an exceedingly enjoyable read, and the perfect couch-side book that’ll have you thoroughly transported to Antoinette’s most dreamy and idyllic worlds.

10 Comments

I think this book would be an absolute must-have for anyone who will dare to wear Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 2014 floral trousers or smoking jackets. Or for someone who would like to revisit the Petit Trianon through the lenses of Pierre-Joseph Redoute and Professor Elisabeth de Feydeau.

What music of Sofia Coppola’s soundtrack of Marie Antoinette would be ideal in the background while leafing through the pages of this exquisite horticultural album? Ones by Jean-Philippe Rameau, Scarlatti and Vivaldi? Or The Cure and New Order? Would it be too decadent, transgender and transgressive if I apply Jasmine Rouge or Violet Blonde of Tom Ford during this experience?

Love the chapter on THE CARNATION…touching, elegant and historic little flower so abandoned now but once used exclusively by the chicest of all. I remember the beautiful table arrangements of Red Carnations for the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute Gala when the Balenciaga exhibit premiered in NYC. I felt happy seeing them honored for their Beauty! I grow antique scented varieties yearly and the blooms are still budding as I write.

DARLINKA,
Thank You for sharing.I most certainly would enjoy reading this book!France is calling and I must scoot over but first stop is VENICE, because I will need a good coffee after the crossing!Counting the days………..cannot come fast enough!

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